Astropecten polyacanthus - Sand Sifting Starfish
Husbandry Tips and Info for Sand Sifting Stars

Starfish from the genus Astropecten can be good sand sifters are are often used in aquaria with sandbeds.

The sand sifting starfish (Astropecten polyacanthus) is an unbeatable clean-up crew member when it comes to keeping a sandbed clean. With the proper husbandry, this animal will provide excellent janitorial duties while, at the same time, fascinating you with its interesting behavior.

Sometimes called the white starfish, comb starfish or the sand starfish, too many perish as the result of poor husbandry. Please note that this animal requires a long, slow drip acclimation period of no less than two and one half hours in order to properly adjust to the parameters in your aquarium. It also needs a constant salinity of 1.025 ppm; lower salinities will significantly shorten the life of this animal.

If properly cared for, this largely nocturnal sand sifting starfish will eagerly feed on detritus and any uneaten food that makes its way into the sandbed. Be sure not to overstock this animal, as it can easily starve due to its efficiency.

Published 29 July 2008. © Blue Zoo Aquatics